A man from New Jersey, whose wife tragically lost her life during a hippopotamus attack on a safari in Africa last year, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. travel company that organized their trip. He claims that the company failed to prioritize their safety and did not properly vet or supervise the tour guides involved in their experience.
Craig and Lisa Manders were partaking in a guided walk in Zambia last June when a hippo suddenly charged from the water, attacking Lisa Manders. The lawsuit, directed towards African Portfolio, a safari tour company located in Greenwich, Connecticut, alleges that the hippo struck Lisa with sufficient force to crush her head and body. African Portfolio has denied the accusations in the lawsuit.
The legal complaint, submitted on February 5 in Stamford, Connecticut, recounts how Craig Manders witnessed the horrific incident while the tour guides, one of whom was armed with a rifle, allegedly did not intervene or help them. Lisa Manders, aged 70, sustained catastrophic injuries and subsequently died soon after the attack, according to the lawsuit.
According to Paul Slager, an attorney for Craig Manders, this legal action is being taken because such incidents should not happen. He emphasized that there are established safety protocols that businesses, including those in the safari sector, are expected to adhere to. He expressed that those standards were neglected, resulting in devastating outcomes for the Manders family.
Slager mentioned that the lawsuit seeks undetermined monetary compensation, accountability for Lisa Manders’ death, and aims to enhance safety measures for future travelers. Craig Manders, however, has opted not to engage in media interviews.
The couple, who hailed from Cranford, New Jersey, were celebrating a special anniversary and had traveled to Africa for the first time. Lisa Manders had dedicated over four decades to the financial sector and was passionate about cooking, traveling, and spending time in New York, her birth city in Queens in 1953. They have three children and one granddaughter.
In response to the lawsuit, Rodney Gould, a lawyer for African Portfolio, contended that the company acted neither negligently nor recklessly concerning Lisa Manders’ death. He stated that while African Portfolio arranged the couple’s accommodations, the tour guides were provided by their lodging partner, Chiawa Safaris, located in Zambia.
“It’s an unimaginable tragedy when someone is harmed or killed on such trips. It’s truly distressing,” Gould commented. “It’s essential to recognize that African Portfolio is primarily a tour operator, arranging travel and not conducting the actual safaris.” He clarified that the company only coordinated the logistics of the trip.
Furthermore, Gould defended the company’s vetting process of Chiawa Safaris, pointing to its solid reputation. He indicated that African Portfolio might move to have the lawsuit dismissed or seek arbitration, citing a clause within an agreement the Manderses signed prior to their travel.
While addressing the allegations, African Portfolio issued a statement explaining that Chiawa managed the walking safari and that an experienced guide along with an armed National Park scout accompanied guests. They noted that safety measures were taken prior to the event and that guests had been continuously reminded to return to their vehicle during the incident.
When pressed about whether the guests had been warned about the potential danger posed by hippos before the attack, African Portfolio provided a vague response, stating that their message reflected their understanding of events. Gould refrained from providing further clarification on this issue.
Additionally, the company’s founder traveled to Zambia soon after the incident to support both the Manders family and Chiawa’s owner, ensuring that everything possible was being executed to assist those impacted by the tragic event. African Portfolio stated that their thoughts and prayers remain with everyone involved in this unfortunate occurrence.
The lawsuit does not involve Chiawa Safaris but argues that African safaris are inherently perilous due to the unpredictability of wildlife behavior. It emphasizes the need for meticulous planning and execution for safety. It contends that African Portfolio failed to properly oversee and qualify the tour guides and alleges that the company allowed the Manderses to encounter a preventable and hazardous situation with a dangerous hippo in Zambia.
Moreover, the lawsuit claims that African Portfolio did not adequately protect the Manderses from the dangers before and during the attack. Hippos are known for being the second-largest land mammals, second only to elephants, and can exhibit territorial and aggressive behavior.
Reports have indicated that hippos pose a significant risk to human safety, with varying estimates suggesting that hundreds of people may fall victim to these animals annually.
The lawsuit asserts that Lisa Manders experienced substantial mental anguish and emotional distress prior to her death. It further indicates that Craig Manders is struggling with severe emotional and psychological trauma, which has disrupted his ability to manage daily life.
The legal action is grounded on claims of negligence and recklessness. Slager emphasized that Craig Manders is seeking justice not only for the loss of his wife but also for the profound impact it has had on his life. He noted that witnessing the attack has left an indelible mark on Craig Manders, which is beyond comprehension.
